Share your experiences with singles or being a single at the course

[DiscipleofPenick 4,023]

I'd actually say my wrist experiences getting paired up are as a twosome, getting put with another. Mostly this was hot deal tee times or a last minute booking on a Saturday morning. Getting paired with lots of non golfers. Or the starter forcing us to go together even though the course is kind of empty.

[StrokerAce 11,771]

having played the majority of my time as a solo golfer for about 15 years the primary thing I've learned is that people don't care what you shoot - from 120 to 65. 

just play your game and they'll play theirs.

took me a while to figure that one out, especially as a beginner; I was always worried about what they thought of ME and if I was making them have a bad time since I was that uninvited guest.

... a pet peeve that I've noticed more and more is that some courses that have you make your tee time online don't have an option for 1 golfer. Like we don't exist or something.

[c0ldspark 27]

5 hours ago, StrokerAce said:

... a pet peeve that I've noticed more and more is that some courses that have you make your tee time online don't have an option for 1 golfer. Like we don't exist or something.

I've had success with calling for a time in that case, but it's definitely annoying to have to deal with. I'll probably find a different course to play if I'm solo when the option doesn't exist unless it's a course I've not had the opportunity to play before.

[THEZIPR23 6,457]

7 hours ago, StrokerAce said:

... a pet peeve that I've noticed more and more is that some courses that have you make your tee time online don't have an option for 1 golfer. Like we don't exist or something.

This is common. When I was in the golf business, none of the 3 courses would take a time for a single. If you were a single you could call and be put on a list and when you showed up it we would work you in. I get it is not as easy as making a time online however a course reserving a full time for a single isn't conductive to the business. I haven't had any issues since most everyone is online times now, just have to make a call. 

[Shankster 32,995]

I prefer to play as a single.  I have a hard time spending 4 hours on the golf course behind a bunch of foursomes.

I can play 18 in 1.5-2 hours by myself, and that is putting everything out. I will wait, or go off the back if there aid two groups on 1 and 2… 

soemthing that can’t be given back… time.

[fixyurdivot 17,368]

On 6/16/2021 at 10:52 AM, ColoradoFife said:

I picked up golf a few years ago as a hobby after the birth of my first child. Before I started playing, I was an avid fly angler and spent most of my free time on the water. However, after my children were born I had less time to spend a day in the mountains fishing Colorado's amazing clear waters. As a result, I decided to find an activity that still got me outside but didn't require a long drive and I can be home within a few hours. Thank you to the golf gods for showing me this amazing game. My first set of clubs were the Callaway Strata. I spent many hours at the range learning how to develop my swing through countless YouTube videos. After a year, I bought a iron set from an estate sale and bought a new driver, wedges and a putter. Within three years, I have been able to hit my irons straight and pure and drive the ball a good distance. My shortfall is my short game and course management. Because I never grew up playing golf and only picked up the game recently, I play a lot of rounds as a single. I know this was a long intro to my question, but I am curious about everyone's experience playing as a single or playing with a single. I am always conscious about not ruining my playing partners game. I try to be friendly without trying to be there new best friend, help look for lost balls, and keep up the pace of play (I am a relatively fast golfer that probably needs to slow down).

Recently, I played with a single and a group of two. From the start of the round, the single was a jerk to the golf shop employees by being upset about the increase in cost. During the round, he always seemed to try to show off but failed miserably. He decided to play from the tips when everyone else was playing one tee up. His drives were all over the place and always wanted to tee up another ball. He loved to offer unsolicited swing advice and get incredibly mad at his own poor club selection or bad swings.  

With that said, I wanted to check with the forum about their good and bad experiences as a single or playing with a single. This will help me become a better playing partners for all those groups of three that see the dreaded single walking up to the first tee.   

Welcome to the forum @ColoradoFife. We share similar hobbies and I spend about as much time wielding a 5 weight rod as I do a 5 iron.  As for single play, I do so quite a bit.  The courses nearest to me are not that busy as compared to large city areas and particularly during the shoulder seasons.  I would guess I play solo about 1/3 of my rounds both here in MT and in AZ (winter home)...and show up too them as a solo but get paired about half the time.  When I check in, I tell the pro shop or starter that I'm open to go solo or with a group so long as they have no issue with that.  There have been instances where a husband and wife, Dad & child, or a couple of friends simply want to play as their pair and the last thing I want is for a starter to push a single on them. 

But these have been the exception rather than the norm and most groups have no issue playing with a single... or two singles.  In fact, some of my most enjoyable rounds have been with random folks.  Last year in Yuma, for example, I played with a Dad and his quite new to the game teenage son who was celebrating his B-day.  The kid seemed really nervous and had a rough start but by the end of the round was having a great time.  His Dad told me thanks for all the encouragement and patience.  

[sixcat 4,051]

I play as a single more often than not. It's not that I don't have anyone to play with. My home club has a solid, active membership. Simply put, I grew up the product of severely drug and alcohol addicted parents. It's something I don't take to chance. Addiction crosses generations and I refuse to give it a chance to take hold on me. I won't even take certain medications. 

Golf and alcohol seem to go hand and hand with most people. Therefore, I avoid most people!

[JeremyD 225]

I've almost always played as a single. Growing up, I was one of the only kids at the course and most of the old guys just got angry that I was even there. It was easier to ball hunt back then too. Since we've moved to Pinehurst 6 months ago I just play at little ole Midland Country Club 9 holer by myself, since I don't have anyone to play with. The only people around here I know are CCNC members, and they have their own groups. Plus, I can't afford that place. I will say, I typically play better when paired up with people. I kind of focus more. I do use single golf to practice a little, or have conversations with myself about the struggles in my game.

[JoshDay 26]

I play most of my rounds as a single, or end up joining a group through my round. I find the worst part of being a single is being able to get on. Recently, with all of the Covid-related changes, the courses near me would not allow walk-ons. The problem was, their website didn't allow you to book as a single. I enjoy playing by myself, but have also met many really cool people along the way. One suggestion I have, especially if you play the same course alot, is to exchange numbers with guys you enjoy your round with. This will allow you all to check-in with each other about the potential of playing together again. I've never had a horrible experience as a single, there were a couple times there were people I was paired with, that I hope I never meet again, but that's it. Good luck moving forward!

[JDHolmes 214]

Most of my rounds start as a single. On most courses I play though, I'm added to groups of less than 4 to make a foursome. I do, occasionally, still play alone if thecourse is open with no one else waiting. 

I play single because most of my golf friends still work and my golf is almost exclusively during the week and in the morning. I only play tournament golf on weekends and that is never alone.

As a single, I've had great groups and crap groups. There's usually a large gap between skill levels but I use these to help my concentration and work on shots I might not make in competition. 

[scooterhd2 851]

I frequently play as a single. Going out to Dinosaur Mountain tomorrow morning to get paired up with 2 or 3 random people, but I've never had any problems. It usually nice because if you jive with the group you can choose to be more outgoing or talkative. If not, then its easy to just stay within yourself and focus on your game. With friends there more of an expected social environment which may or may aid in good golf. I quite enjoy that freedom. 

[HardcoreLooper 5,533]

Most golfers are great people.

I play about half my rounds as a single.  And while I love being able to walk and play in under three hours, I've met so many great people getting paired up or joining up with a group on the course that I love doing it.  I can think of exactly two people I've played with in the last 10 years that I hope to never run into again.  That's it.  

I love rooting for other people's shots (it's the caddy in me), and I dig watching how other people get the ball into the hole.  You can always learn something from another golfer, even if it's what's not to do.

I can't tell you how many people I've played golf with that I know I'd never get to meet outside of a golf course.  Plus, I'm an introvert, and it's good to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people.

[Murv 33]

I have been  going to Arizona for 10 years for the Winter. The first six years I would report to the clubhouse and ask to be paired up. Out there all groups are at least 3 minimum.

I may have to wait a little while but I always got out and for the most part had great experiences. As a walker...being paired with a riding twosome and another rider is tough if they drive off and you have to chase them on every hole.

I have probably played over 100 rounds like this and can think of only one occasion where I wished I had stayed home.

[WaffleHouseTour 739]

A buddy and I took up the game together.  Went to a golf school.  Played with our dads clubs. Joined a club together, bought an Ez-Go together, had a standing tee time on Friday and Saturday.  Then kids came along, work got busier, and life in general.   It started with the missed Friday matches, then it was tSaturday tee time.  Eventually my buddy gave up the game.  
 

At first I thought I would have to too.  Play as a single?  Like going to a restaurant or the movies alone….
 

We’ll, I do those too now.  I’m almost exclusively an single.  I chase the mowers at dawn.  I’ve played all over the country as a single getting matched up with others.  Almost all have been positive experiences.  Playing with three left handed Canadians at Chambers Bay (apparently it’s a hockey thing); three singles that filled every stereotype of a New Yawker at Bethpage Black; by pure luck I got matched up with the same single three years in a row at a resort course in Hawaii (we both like early tee times).  The only bad experience I’ve had was at Black Wolf Run - a husband a wife that continued a fight they were having at the resort, and it sure seemed like they were headed straight for divorce court after the round.

My suggestion - play your own game.  If you play the white tee, then play the white tees - don’t go back to the blues because your new partners do (odds are they should also be at the whites). If you don’t bet on the course, then politely decline if they want a money game.  Be flexible - I’ve played with kids, college student, three women, and seniors - I’ve always found something to enjoy and learn from the experience.  

I walk, and I will walk if I can.  I don’t care if they ride.  And neither do they care if I’m walking.  

it’s only a golf ball, and they sell them by the dozen… don’t hold up your new friends.  Play quick.  No one cares about your score.  Play ready.  Play ready.  Play ready.  

 

[RickK 26]

Not so much now that I am retired but before retirement I traveled quite a bit resulting in me showing up at golf course as a single.  I personally do not like playing as a single.  I always ask do they have someone who they could pair me up with.  Other times, I have hung around until I saw a single, twosome or threesome and just walked up and asked if they minded if I played along with them.  On a few occasions, I was turned down but not very often.  

I try my best to be cordial, play quickly, and avoid certain topics of conversation that tend to be controversial.  Conversation comes pretty easy for me so I just try to find out what their interests are and go from there.  And, I never give advice about golf unless I am asked.  

Edited June 24, 2021 by RickK
word correction

[Curtis Atkinson 345]

One thing I'd say is rather than awkwardly try to guess and feel how they're going to play (in order, ready golf, etc) it's easier to just ask those things up front for the round. I've played as a single paired up with folks and lots of times play as a pair paired up with a random pair and have found it a lot more at ease to just introduce myself, tell them I typically shoot in the 90's, and tell them I'm up for however they want the round to be and ask if they like to stick closer to the "norms" or more casual. Has made the first few holes much more comfortable to know. 

[HardcoreLooper 5,533]

On 6/18/2021 at 9:53 PM, HardcoreLooper said:

Most golfers are great people.

I play about half my rounds as a single.  And while I love being able to walk and play in under three hours, I've met so many great people getting paired up or joining up with a group on the course that I love doing it.  I can think of exactly two people I've played with in the last 10 years that I hope to never run into again.  That's it.  

I love rooting for other people's shots (it's the caddy in me), and I dig watching how other people get the ball into the hole.  You can always learn something from another golfer, even if it's what's not to do.

I can't tell you how many people I've played golf with that I know I'd never get to meet outside of a golf course.  Plus, I'm an introvert, and it's good to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people.

My daughters didn't want to get up early and play with me last Sunday (they'd played a tournament with me the day before, so they get a pass), so I played as a single and got paired with a group of three younger guys (I'm 50, they were early 30s).  They were nice enough to let me know that they weren't very good, so I suggested we play the 6000 yard tees and they had a good time with that.

They cranked up the tunes, and I told them I was fine with that.  I'm not really the biggest fan of rap, but it must have worked for me - I shot 75.

They were good dudes, we had a blast, they insisted I have a couple of their beers, and it was a good time all around.  And one of the guys is now applying for a job with my company with my referral, since I got to spend 4 hours with him.